Special Adventures at Camp Kanuga

Special Adventures

Whitewater rafting down the French Broad River.

Rafting

Campers age 13 and older spend an adventurous day of whitewater rafting on the French Broad River 25 miles north of Asheville. The trip combines a full day of rafting with panoramic views of the Pisgah National Forest. After paddling and safety instruction, the group travels eight miles over and through Class II and III + rapids.

The campers in each raft learn to communicate and cooperate with each other to maneuver each rapid. They use rafts at high water and duckies, single person inflatable kayaks at low water. A full day's trip includes lunch along the way. The eight-mile trip is coordinated through the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which provides qualified and experienced river guides.

Ridge Runners

The Ridge Runners program presents new challenges to older campers, allowing them to develop leadership and outdoor skills while exploring the beautiful natural environment of Western North Carolina. Ridge Runners are ages 14 and 15 and live in Cabin 6 and Foxhole.

Getting a taste of the Trailblazer Adventure, Ridge Runners go beyond Camp Kanuga for an overnight in DuPont State Forest where Leave No Trace philosophy is practiced. They hook up belay lines to climb the formidable granite slab known as Gilbert's Rock.

They go horseback riding at Sky Valley Farm, traversing the ridges and valleys of this beautiful Pinnacle Mountain ranch, ending with a refreshing swim in a cool mountain lake and a picnic lunch. This trail ride is a special program offered only to Ridge Runners.

The Trailblazer Adventure

Campers setting out on a backpacking trip.

For campers, 15 and 16 years old, Camp Kanuga offers the Trailblazer Adventure, a two-week experience beginning at Meg’s Outpost close by camp, continuing through eight days and 50-plus miles of hiking and camping along trails in the beautiful and rugged Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina. Adventurers will have a day each of rock climbing and white water rafting, concluding with an awards breakfast back at Meg’s with parents and family as guests.

There are three Trailblazer Adventure sessions, each one enrolling up to 16 participants. The staff includes four instructors, usually NOLS or Outward Bound graduates, who mentor and live with the Adventurers.

The Trailblazers spend the first three days at Meg’s Outpost getting to know one another and building a spirit of cooperation. They continue construction work, begun by earlier Trailblazer Adventurers, spend time at the Ropes Course, and prepare for the wilderness trek, packing food and equipment.

The Appalachian Mountains, among the oldest on Earth, offer miles of beautiful, interesting, and challenging trails which in a day’s journey may vary from an elevation of 1,500 feet to more than 5,500. The Trailblazer Adventure route will take them through a variety of environments, sometimes along a spectacular ridgeline, the next following a shade cooled stream. Climbing is done at several sites chosen by the staff for the degree of challenge and sense of accomplishment each offers. Rafting is on the Nolichucky River’s Class III and IV rapids.

For more information, visit the Trailblazer web site.

Leadership Opportunities

Camp Kanuga takes great pride in the number of campers who return year after year and eventually serve as counselors and members of the senior staff. In 2006, the seven members of the senior staff alone had more than 50 years of camping experience at Kanuga.

The Camp Kanuga Trailblazer Adventure is highly recommended as a challenging yet fun wilderness program that rewards participants with new skills to face adulthood, and increased maturity necessary for those considering future leadership positions. Please see the Trailblazer section for more details about this opportunity for adventurous youth ages 15 and 16.

Junior Counselors must be 17 years old and must attend a training session. They will work with a counselor on cabin and activity responsibilities, have daily camp clean-up duties and also will spend time on the kitchen crew. They receive a small stipend and will have in-service training in successful camp counseling techniques. Junior Counselors are selected based on previous camping experience, qualifications and training, availability and a formal interview.

Get to know our fearless leaders.